COLLEGE TOUR

 COLLEGE TOUR

Introduction: 

Field trips are essential for bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application, offering 

students a unique platform to explore real-world scenarios and foster a holistic approach to 

education. Recognizing this importance, PTM College of Education Maruthoorkonam embarked 

on a 10-day journey from November 4th to November 13th, 2023, blending academic learning 

with hands-on experiences. Commencing in Delhi, renowned for its rich history and 

architectural marvels, the group immersed themselves in cultural treasures. The itinerary then 

led to the serene town of Kulu, nestled in the Himalayas, providing a contrasting backdrop to 

Delhi's bustling city life. Continuing to the enchanting hill station of Manali, students 

experienced snow-capped peaks and adventure activities, fostering a deep appreciation for 

diverse landscapes. This field trip aimed to cultivate a holistic perspective, moving beyond a 

mere vacation to an educational sojourn. Subsequent sections will detail specific experiences 

and learnings from each leg of this transformative journey.

Objectives: 

1. Cultural Immersion: To expose students to the rich cultural heritage of India by 

exploring historical landmarks, museums, and cultural sites in Delhi. 

2. Geographical Understanding: To enhance geographical knowledge by experiencing the 

diverse landscapes of Kulu and understanding the geographical features of the region. 

3. Environmental Awareness: To instill a sense of environmental responsibility through 

activities such as nature walks, promoting eco-friendly practices, and appreciating the 

Himalayan ecosystem. 

4. Historical Appreciation: To deepen the understanding of India's historical significance 

by visiting key landmarks in Delhi, providing a firsthand experience of the country's past. 

5. Social Interaction: To promote social interaction and team building among students, 

fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity through shared experiences. 

6. Educational Exposure: To provide students with exposure to educational institutions, 

organizations, or experts in the field of education in Delhi, facilitating knowledge 

exchange and networking opportunities. 

7. Adventure and Recreation: To engage in adventure activities in Manali, encouraging 

students to step out of their comfort zones and develop skills such as problem-solving, 

teamwork, and resilience. 

8. Culinary Exploration: To explore the diverse cuisine of different regions, allowing 

students to taste local flavors and understand the cultural significance of food. 

9. Reflection and Journaling: To encourage students to reflect on their experiences 

through journaling, promoting self-awareness and personal growth. 

10. Career Insight: To provide insights into potential career opportunities related to 

education, tourism, and cultural preservation, inspiring students to consider diverse 

career paths and aspirations.

Identification of the spot: 

• Delhi 

• Akshardham Temple: 

• Description: Akshardham Temple is a magnificent Hindu temple complex known 

for its intricate architecture, cultural exhibitions, and spiritual significance. It 

showcases the traditional art and cultural heritage of India and is dedicated to 

Bhagwan Swaminarayan. The temple complex includes an intricately carved 

main monument, exhibitions, musical fountains, and lush gardens. 

• Importance: It serves as a cultural and spiritual hub, promoting values, art, and 

the rich heritage of India. 

• India Gate: 

• Description: India Gate is a war memorial located in the heart of Delhi. It was 

built to honor the soldiers who died in World War I. The structure is an archway 

made of red sandstone and stands as a symbol of India's unity and sacrifice. 

• Importance: India Gate is a national monument that holds historical significance 

and serves as a place for reflection and remembrance. 

• Raj Ghat: 

• Description: Raj Ghat is the memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, the father 

of the nation. It is a simple black marble platform marking the spot of Gandhi's 

cremation. 

• Importance: Raj Ghat is a place of reverence and a pilgrimage site for those 

seeking to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi and his principles of non-violence 

and truth. 

• Sarojini Market: 

• Description: Sarojini Market is a bustling market known for its affordable and 

trendy clothing, accessories, and home goods. It's a popular shopping 

destination for locals and tourists alike. 

• Importance: The market offers a vibrant shopping experience and a glimpse into 

Delhi's bustling street culture. 

• Qutub Minar: 

• Description: Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest brick 

minaret in the world. It is an exemplary piece of Indo-Islamic architecture and is 

surrounded by historic ruins and monuments. 

• Importance: Qutub Minar represents Delhi's rich history and architectural 

prowess, dating back to the medieval period. 

• Red Fort: 

• Description: The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, is a UNESCO World Heritage 

Site and a historic fort made of red sandstone. It served as the main residence of 

the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years. 

• Importance: The Red Fort is a symbol of Mughal grandeur and is where the 

Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag on Independence Day. 

• Agra 

1. Taj Mahal: 

• Description: The Taj Mahal is a world-renowned white marble mausoleum built 

by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz 

Mahal. It is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is 

known for its symmetrical architecture and intricate carvings. 

• Importance: The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of 

eternal love. It attracts millions of visitors annually, marveling at its architectural 

beauty and historical significance. 

2. Agra Fort: 

• Description: Agra Fort is a massive fortification made of red sandstone and 

marble on the banks of the Yamuna River. It served as the main residence of the 

Mughal emperors and has impressive structures like the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan

i-Khas, and Diwan-i-Am. 

• Importance: Agra Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the grandeur 

of Mughal architecture and providing insights into India's historical and cultural 

past. It also offers panoramic views of the Taj Mahal. 

3. Kulu , Manali: 

• Hidimba Temple: 

• Description: The Hidimba Devi Temple is an ancient cave temple dedicated to 

Hidimba Devi, a character from the Indian epic Mahabharata. The temple is 

surrounded by cedar forests and is known for its unique architecture, featuring 

intricately carved wooden doors and a pagoda-style structure. 

• Importance: The temple is a revered religious site and a testament to the 

region's rich mythological heritage. 

• Vashisht Temple: 

• Description: The Vashisht Temple is dedicated to Sage Vashisht, a revered sage 

in Hinduism. It is known for its hot springs, believed to have medicinal 

properties, and the temple itself is built in the traditional Himachali style. 

• Importance: The Vashisht Temple is a spiritual and cultural landmark, attracting 

both devotees and tourists seeking a tranquil and therapeutic experience. 

• Rohtang Pass: 

• Description: Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass situated in the Pir Panjal 

Range of the Himalayas. It connects the Kulu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti 

Valleys and offers breathtaking panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and 

glaciers. 

• Importance: Rohtang Pass is not only a spectacular natural attraction but also a 

gateway to adventure activities like skiing and snowboarding. It provides a 

surreal experience of being surrounded by the majestic Himalayan landscape. 

• Atal Tunnel 

• Description: The Atal Tunnel, named after former Prime Minister Atal Bihari 

Vajpayee, is a strategically significant tunnel that cuts through the Rohtang Pass 

in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas. It is the world's longest tunnel at an 

altitude of over 3,000 meters and spans a length of approximately 9.02 

kilometers. 

• Importance: The Atal Tunnel plays a crucial role in providing all-weather 

connectivity to the Lahaul-Spiti region, which remains cut off during the winter 

due to heavy snowfall. It has reduced travel time between Manali and Leh and 

opened up new opportunities for tourism and trade in the region. 

Detailed Plan 

4/11/2023 - Departure from Trivandrum to Madurai: Our journey kicks off on November 4th at 

11:30 am as we board a train from Trivandrum Central to Madurai. The scenic train ride will 

take us to Madurai, where we are set to arrive at 5 pm. In the evening, we will immerse 

ourselves in the spiritual and architectural marvel of Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, a 

testament to the city's rich cultural heritage. 

5/11/2023 - Departure from Madurai to Delhi: The next leg of our adventure begins in the 

early morning at 1 am on November 5th as we depart from Madurai to Delhi by train. The 

overnight journey will lead us to the heart of India's capital. 

6/11/2023 - Arrival in Delhi and Travel to Agra: By 6:30 pm on November 6th, we will arrive at 

Delhi Nizamuddin Railway Station. Shortly after, we'll set out for Agra, where we will stay 

overnight in a hotel. 

7/11/2023 - Agra Exploration and Journey to Delhi: On November 7th, we'll explore the iconic 

Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, soaking in the historical grandeur. Later in the day, we'll make our way 

back to Delhi, visiting the Akshardham Temple enroute before heading towards the 

mesmerizing landscapes of Manali. 

8/11/2023 - Local Sightseeing in Manali: Upon reaching Manali on November 8th, we'll freshen 

up at the hotel and then embark on a local exploration. The day's highlights include visits to the 

Hidimba Temple, Vashist Temple, and the breathtaking Rohtang Pass, immersing ourselves in 

the beauty of the Himalayas. 

9/11/2023 - Rohtang Pass and Travel to Delhi: An early morning visit to Rohtang Pass on 

November 9th will offer unforgettable panoramic views. Subsequently, we'll commence our 

journey back to Delhi, concluding our time in the enchanting landscapes of Manali. 

10/11/2023 - Delhi Exploration and Shopping: Returning to Delhi on November 10th, we'll kick 

off the day with a visit to Qutab Minar, Lotus Temple, Red Fort, India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhavan, 

and the Parliament Building. The day concludes with some leisurely shopping in Delhi, allowing 

us to take home memories and souvenirs. 

11/11/2023 - Return Journey to Kerala: Our return journey begins early on November 11th at 

5:30 am, as we bid farewell to the bustling capital and head back to Kerala, cherishing the 

memories of our enriching tour. 

13/11/2023 - Arrival in Nagercoil and Return to Trivandrum: The final leg of our journey brings 

us back to South India. On November 13th, we'll arrive in Nagercoil at 3:30 am, followed by a 

4:30 am departure and a 6 am arrival at Trivandrum Central, marking the end of our 

unforgettable Delhi-Manali tour. 

Execution of Plan 

4/11/2023 - Departure from Trivandrum to Madurai: 

Our journey commenced on November 4th at 11:30 am as we boarded a train from Trivandrum 

Central to Madurai. The scenic train ride brought us to Madurai by 5 pm, where we took the 

opportunity to explore the enchanting Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple in the evening, 

delving into the city's rich cultural heritage. 

5/11/2023 - Departure from Madurai to Delhi: 

In the early morning at 1 am on November 5th, we departed from Madurai to Delhi by train, 

embarking on an overnight journey. 

6/11/2023 - Arrival in Delhi and Travel to Agra: 

By 6:30 pm on November 6th, we arrived at Delhi Nizamuddin Railway Station. From there, we 

headed straight to Agra, where we stayed overnight at a hotel. 

7/11/2023 - Agra Exploration and Journey to Delhi: 

On November 7th, we explored the iconic Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, soaking in the historical 

grandeur. Unfortunately, Agra Fort was the only spot we couldn’t visit in Agra due to time 

constraints. Later in the day, we made our way back to Delhi, visiting the Akshardham Temple 

enroute before heading towards the mesmerizing landscapes of Manali. 

8/11/2023 - River Rafting in Manali: 

Upon reaching Manali on November 8th, we freshened up at the hotel and opted for an 

exhilarating adventure—river rafting—instead of the initially planned local sightseeing. The day 

concluded with a return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest. 

9/11/2023 - Atal Tunnel and Manali Exploration: 

Early on November 9th, we embarked on an adventure-packed day. Our itinerary included visits 

to Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Temple, Vashist Temple, and the newly added Atal Tunnel, providing 

us with a comprehensive experience of the stunning Himalayan landscapes. Later in the day, we 

began our journey back to Delhi, concluding our time in the enchanting landscapes of Manali. 

10/11/2023 - Delhi Exploration and Shopping at Karol Bagh: 

Returning to Delhi on November 10th, we kicked off the day with a visit to Qutab Minar, Lotus 

Temple, and the unmissable Red Fort. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, we couldn't 

explore the Parliament Building. The day concluded with some leisurely shopping in the bustling 

streets of Karol Bagh, allowing us to take home memories and souvenirs. 

11/11/2023 - Return Journey to Kerala: 

Our return journey began early on November 11th at 5:30 am, bidding farewell to the bustling 

capital and heading back to Kerala, cherishing the memories of our enriching tour. 

13/11/2023 - Arrival in Nagercoil and Return to Trivandrum: 

The final leg of our journey brought us back to South India. On November 13th, we arrived in 

Nagercoil at 3:30 am, followed by a 4:30 am departure and a 6 am arrival at Trivandrum 

Central, marking the end of our unforgettable Delhi-Manali tour. 

Benefits derived from the tour: 

The educational tour undertaken by PTM College of Education Maruthoorkonam from 

November 4th to November 13th, 2023, holds numerous benefits for the participants: 

1. Experiential Learning: The tour provides students with hands-on experiences that go 

beyond the classroom, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world 

settings. 

2. Cultural Exposure: Visiting diverse destinations like Delhi, Kulu, and Manali exposes 

students to different cultures, traditions, and histories, broadening their cultural 

awareness and understanding. 

3. Team Building: The journey promotes camaraderie among students, faculty, and staff, 

fostering teamwork and collaboration through shared experiences and challenges. 

4. Personal Growth: Students have the opportunity for personal growth and self

discovery, navigating new environments, overcoming obstacles, and developing 

resilience. 

5. Enhanced Perspective: Experiencing varied landscapes, from the historical city of Delhi 

to the serene town of Kulu and the adventurous setting of Manali, encourages a broader 

perspective and appreciation for diversity. 

6. Environmental Awareness: Exploring natural wonders like the Himalayas and 

participating in activities such as river rafting promote environmental consciousness and 

appreciation for the planet's beauty. 

7. Cultural Appreciation: Engaging with historical monuments, temples, and local markets 

fosters an appreciation for cultural heritage and a deeper understanding of India's 

diversity. 

8. Networking Opportunities: Visits to educational institutions and interactions with 

experts in the field of education present networking opportunities, potentially opening 

doors for future collaborations or career insights. 

9. Adventure and Recreation: Adventure activities like river rafting and exploring the 

snow-capped peaks of Rohtang Pass not only add excitement but also encourage a 

sense of adventure and recreation. 

10. Life-Long Memories: The tour creates lasting memories for participants, fostering a 

sense of nostalgia and a shared bond among the group, enhancing their college 

experience.

Problems faced: 

• Slight Illness and Fatigue caused by long hours travel. 

• Unfortunate rainy weather in Delhi during sightseeing. 

• Unforeseen delay in some spots due to lack of time management. 

Suggestions: 

• Flexibility in Itinerary: 

• Explanation: Incorporate flexibility in the itinerary to adapt to unexpected 

circumstances, ensuring a smoother travel experience. 

• Real-time Adjustments: 

• Explanation: Develop the ability to make real-time adjustments to the schedule based 

on factors like time constraints or spontaneous opportunities for unique experiences. 

• Diverse Activity Options: 

• Explanation: Include a variety of activity options in the itinerary, such as adventure 

activities or cultural experiences, to cater to the diverse interests of the group. 

• Pre-Booking Key Attractions: 

• Explanation: Consider pre-booking tickets or entry passes for major attractions to save 

time and ensure smoother visits, especially in popular tourist destinations. 

• Enhanced Communication: 

• Explanation: Strengthen communication channels within the group to keep everyone 

informed about any changes or adjustments to the plan, fostering a collaborative and 

cohesive travel experience. 

• Buffer Time for Travel: 

• Explanation: Allocate buffer time for travel between destinations to account for delays, 

unexpected traffic, or other logistical challenges. 

• Alternative Sightseeing Options: 

• Explanation: Identify alternative sightseeing options in case certain attractions are 

inaccessible or if there are time constraints, providing a backup plan for a fulfilling 

experience. 

• Local Expertise: 

• Explanation: Seek guidance from local experts or tour guides to navigate through 

destinations more efficiently and gain insights into hidden gems or lesser-known 

attractions. 

• Regular Check-ins with Participants: 

• Explanation: Schedule regular check-ins with participants to gather feedback, address 

concerns, and ensure that everyone is comfortable and enjoying the tour. 

• Thorough Research: 

• Explanation: Conduct thorough research on each destination, taking into account local 

events, holidays, or any other factors that may impact the travel experience, allowing 

for better planning and execution.